Description
Terry Carter reviews the Kanile'a KPA Pro tenor.
Terry Carter compares two Kanile'a KPA-T tenors side by side.
Sound demo of the in-stock KPA Pro tenor, serial 30183, recorded by Kanile'a Sound Studio.
Sound demo of an earlier KPA Core tenor, serial 29311, recorded by Kanile'a Sound Studio.
The Kanile'a KPA Hawaiian Koa Tenor Ukulele is a Hawaiian-made tenor ukulele built from solid Hawaiian koa on the top, back and sides, with a single-piece genuine mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, bridge and headplate, a traditional round soundhole with a thick Pāua abalone rosette, Pāua abalone logo and position markers, tortoise binding, gold open-geared tuners and the Kanile'a Crown headstock. Choose the Core or Pro Series below, an in-stock ukulele that ships now or one built for you; each one ships with a Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag and Kanile'a's lifetime warranty.
Specifications
| SKU | KPA-T + serial number |
|---|---|
| Size | Tenor |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Top | Solid Hawaiian Koa |
| Back & Sides | Solid Hawaiian Koa |
| Neck | Single Piece Genuine Mahogany |
| Fretboard, Bridge & Headplate | Ebony |
| Headstock | Kanileʻa Crown |
| Headstock Logo | Pāua Abalone |
| Rosette | Thick Pāua Abalone |
| Front Binding | Tortoise Plastic |
| Soundhole | Traditional (round) |
| Top & Side Position Markers | Pāua Abalone |
| Tuners | Kanileʻa Gold Open Geared |
Series differences
| Core | Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Koa Grade | Deluxe Grade | Premium Grade |
| Finish | UV Gloss body, UV Silk neck | UV Gloss body, UV Silk neck |
| Nut & Saddle | White NuBone | Graphite Infused Black TUSQ |
| Side Sound Port | No | Oval |
| Bracing | TRU-R Bracing | TRU-R Bracing |
| TRU-Reduction Soundboard Etching | No | Yes |
| Strings | Worth Fluorocarbon High-G | Worth Fluorocarbon x GHS Phosphor Bronze Low-G Set |
| Tuning | G-C-E-A, high G | G-C-E-A, low G |
Measurements
| Overall Length | 27” |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 17.08” |
| Nut Width | 1.5” |
| Lower Bout Width | 9.25” |
| Upper Bout Width | 6.75” |
| Body Length | 12” |
| Frets | 19 |
What is included
- The ukulele for the series and serial number you choose, or a new one built for you when you choose Build to Order
- Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag
WARRANTY - Kanile'a Lifetime Warranty
BUILD TO ORDER - Kanileʻa builds your KPA Tenor by hand in Hawaiʻi in the series you choose. The in-stock serials' photos show those exact ukuleles; a built-to-order KPA will have its own koa grain. Build time is usually 6 to 8 weeks, and we confirm it with you after you order.
Common questions
What is the difference between the Core and Pro KPA tenor?
Both are solid Hawaiian koa KPA tenors with the same body, neck, Pāua abalone rosette, logo and markers, tortoise binding, gold tuners and Kanile'a TRU-R Bracing. The Core has Deluxe Grade koa, a white NuBone nut and saddle and high-G Worth fluorocarbon strings. The Pro uses Premium Grade koa and adds an oval side sound port, TRU-Reduction soundboard etching, a graphite infused black TUSQ nut and saddle, and a low-G string set.
What is TRU-Reduction soundboard etching?
TRU-Reduction is a Kanileʻa process that uses laser etching to remove wood from selected areas on the inside of the koa soundboard. The lighter, more flexible top vibrates more freely, which gives more projection and sustain without weakening the top. It is one of the Pro Series upgrades; the Core Series does not have it. Both series share the same Kanileʻa TRU-R Bracing.
What is the Kanile'a KPA?
The KPA is Kanile'a's Pāua abalone model: a traditional round soundhole with a thick Pāua abalone rosette, Pāua logo and position markers, tortoise binding and gold open-geared tuners. Kanile'a builds it in the Core and Pro Series.
How does the KPA compare to the K-1 and D-1?
They share the same Hawaiian koa grades, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard and Crown headstock. The KPA adds the Pāua abalone rosette, logo and markers, tortoise binding and gold tuners; the K-1 has a plain round soundhole with white mother-of-pearl inlays, and the D-1 has Kanile'a's D-shaped soundhole.
Is the Kanile'a KPA tenor solid wood?
Yes. Every Kanile'a KPA tenor, Core or Pro, is built from solid Hawaiian koa on the top, back and sides, with a single-piece genuine mahogany neck.
Where is the Kanile'a KPA ukulele made?
The Kanile'a KPA ukulele is made in Hawaiʻi by Kanileʻa ʻUkulele.
How do I choose the exact ukulele I get?
Every Kanile'a KPA Tenor is hand-built from solid koa, so no two have the same grain. Each in-stock ukulele is listed under its series and its own serial number with Ships Now, and its photos show that exact ukulele. Choose Build to Order to have Kanileʻa build a new one for you.
How does Build to Order work?
Pick a series with Build to Order and check out as usual. We place your order with Kanileʻa, who build the ukulele by hand in Hawaiʻi, and the build usually takes 6 to 8 weeks; we confirm the timing with you after you order. It ships to you with a Kanile'a Premium Gig Bag and Kanile'a's lifetime warranty.
TERRY CARTER MUSIC STORE ADVANTAGE
- 🎓 FREE 1-Month Membership at Uke Like The Pros AND Rock Like The Pros ($70 value)
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📸 WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET
The photos show the exact instrument you will receive — no surprises. We photograph every high-end instrument individually before it ships. If you want additional angles or have questions before buying, reach out and we'll send more photos.
